The base speakers in my 335i are trash too, am sure there are the same. At some stage we have to tell BMW that its fine to offer the HK system, but that doesn't mean you have to offer the worst sounding audio system on the market as your base audio.

I don't know a lot about audio but I do think the base sound system in my 2013 335i is terrible. What should I do to get a better sound? New speakers? What kind? DIY? I'm not looking to drop $1,000...would like to be a few hundred if possible for a decent upgrade. Bass sucks right now with any amount of volume (and no, I'm not looking for mirror shaking type base...just want a nice tight base when I listen to music at higher volume's). Suggestions please.

I was under the impression that the base audio had two subwoofers under the driver and passenger seat, is this true?

The base US stereo (which is the mid level stereo in other markets I think) has:

1 center speaker on the dash
1 tweeter and 1 midrange on each front door
1 midrange on each back door
I think 2 small subs, one under each front seat

So that makes 7 speakers and 2 small subs

I find it more than adequate, but I'm no audiophile. Mainly I like that it is versatile and can play radio, satellite radio, audio CD, mp3 CD, iphone/android input, USB stick mp3, all easily controlled via iDrive. Besides, while fairly quiet, it's not like the F30 has got a super insulated cabin like a Lexus or Buick, so I wonder how much you'd notice better sound quality while on the move. The bass is not that thumping, tho, so I guess if you're blasting hip hop all day long you might want to upgrade.

The base US stereo (which is the mid level stereo in other markets I think) has:

1 center speaker on the dash
1 tweeter and 1 midrange on each front door
1 midrange on each back door
I think 2 small subs, one under each front seat

So that makes 7 speakers and 2 small subs

I find it more than adequate, but I'm no audiophile. Mainly I like that it is versatile and can play radio, satellite radio, audio CD, mp3 CD, iphone/android input, USB stick mp3, all easily controlled via iDrive. Besides, while fairly quiet, it's not like the F30 has got a super insulated cabin like a Lexus or Buick, so I wonder how much you'd notice better sound quality while on the move. The bass is not that thumping, tho, so I guess if you're blasting hip hop all day long you might want to upgrade.

The base US stereo (which is the mid level stereo in other markets I think) has:

1 center speaker on the dash
1 tweeter and 1 midrange on each front door
1 midrange on each back door
I think 2 small subs, one under each front seat

So that makes 7 speakers and 2 small subs

I find it more than adequate, but I'm no audiophile. Mainly I like that it is versatile and can play radio, satellite radio, audio CD, mp3 CD, iphone/android input, USB stick mp3, all easily controlled via iDrive. Besides, while fairly quiet, it's not like the F30 has got a super insulated cabin like a Lexus or Buick, so I wonder how much you'd notice better sound quality while on the move. The bass is not that thumping, tho, so I guess if you're blasting hip hop all day long you might want to upgrade.

I like loud music sometimes (not like ridiculously loud, but anyways...) and the stock subs just crap out at really low volumes. I don't really listen to bass-y hip-hop or anything so I can only imagine how crappy the US Base audio would be for that. Anyways, really just looking for a replacement for the subs so they stop making that awful noise when they are too loud.

I currently have a base 328i (well w/ Tech package anyway) as a loaner while my car is @ the dealer. The audio system is OK - not horrible, but then again I'm listening to Apple Lossless files and this car has the enhanced USB, so I'm not stuck having to deal w/ the iPod's crap DAC, like in my car. But my point is that b/c the source is better, the SQ is better.

Things to think about:
- Crap source (mp3, m4a, sat radio, BMW Y-cable) = Crap output
- Simply changing the speakers by themselves isn't the cure-all; I'm not sure what kind of amp the base system uses (if it uses one at all), but a new amp + speakers probably the most effective upgrade ... or hell, maybe just a new amp.

In my case, I'm having the combox retrofitted, which should solve my issues. Otherwise, the HK system is quite good. Of course, I'll agree that I too enjoy tight effective bass. The HK does it OK, but no comparison to the 12" sub in my previous Mazda3.

I already tool delivery of my car. I passed on HK because i did the same on my X5 and im happy with the audio there. Not in my 335 though. Terrible.

I just turned the treble and bass all the way up and it sounds fine. Give it a try.

I have my bass and treble turn up a few clicks so when I play music a little loud the bass is awful. If i turned the settings down im sure it would resolve the problem somewhat but then there is not enough lows in the music.

Everyone is scaring me. I am a huge audio person. Unfortunately, I am also super impatient. Instead of custom ordering, my dealer found a 335i on a boat with everything that I wanted except HK and back up camera. I thought the base system would be okay...I hope I didn't make a mistake.

Everyone is scaring me. I am a huge audio person. Unfortunately, I am also super impatient. Instead of custom ordering, my dealer found a 335i on a boat with everything that I wanted except HK and back up camera. I thought the base system would be okay...I hope I didn't make a mistake.

The audio quality is fine, but the overall system power is on the low side and the subs don't handle high volume well. This is still a BMW, it sounds okay enough and isn't junk - but there is definitely a reason they sell the Harmon Kardon system!

Everyone is scaring me. I am a huge audio person. Unfortunately, I am also super impatient. Instead of custom ordering, my dealer found a 335i on a boat with everything that I wanted except HK and back up camera. I thought the base system would be okay...I hope I didn't make a mistake.

Have you tried the base audio? That's why I always test drive before any purchase. I'm sure they have a base system car in the lot you can take out for a spin to test the system.

When I was ordering I really didn't know if I wanted the 328 or 335, at that point the 4k diff in tag was pretty hefty, but didn't want an underpowered car. Tested a 328, it was plenty for my needs so went with it.

Have you tried the base audio? That's why I always test drive before any purchase. I'm sure they have a base system car in the lot you can take out for a spin to test the system.

When I was ordering I really didn't know if I wanted the 328 or 335, at that point the 4k diff in tag was pretty hefty, but didn't want an underpowered car. Tested a 328, it was plenty for my needs so went with it.

I did not. I wanted a 335, M-Sport, 19" rims, 8AT, Mineral Grey, Tech, Premium, heated front seats (for the Mrs.) and HK. My dealer found one on a boat (arriving on 2/6) with everything except HK so I decided to jump on it. I did not test the two systems because I did not want to know what I will be missing!